Is the 2022 Audi A3 the BEST entry level luxury sedan?

Описание: What's new

The 2022 Audi A3 is a bit larger than its predecessor, 1.5 inches longer, 0.8 inches wider, and 0.5 inches taller than before.  At the front, you get revised headlights and the taillights carry over the design language from other Audis like the Q3. The front grille is a little larger, and the front bumper had been redesigned but not enough to still have fake air vents.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:45 Competitor Comparison
2:00 Exterior
2:40 Cargo Space
3:12 Engine and Transmission
3:57 Interior
8:16 Driving
15:22 Verdict

Stiff competition

So, what exactly is this car up against well for starters the excellent BMW 230i X drive and the Mercedes A220 4 Matic, both of those offer all-wheel drive, my tester is a Premium Plus Quattro model, although you can get FWD in the A3 as well. Here's a side-by-side comparison.

Electrification under the hood

Most notably the 2022 Audi A3 has more changes under the hood and the news isn't all good since the new A3 is down on power compared to last year's AWD A3 which had 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Now regardless of driven wheels this engine has 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque but is augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that not only offers a notable improvement in fuel economy but also benefits the car's overall driving experience as we will find out later.

That hybrid system adds a small output boost of 12 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque, available from a standstill. The engine is driven through an excellent 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that provides smooth and snappy changes and rarely gets caught out.

Fuel Economy

It's a bit of an understatement to say that the A3 is a fuel miser, especially since it is quite good fun to drive, 2 things that don't normally go together. The EPA rates the A3 at COMB/CITY/HWY:  31/28/36 mpg which is easily attainable. My hard driving for the week netted 22.1 mpg but on some longer runs, cruising at high speeds saw 29+ mpg so a less heavy right foot and you'll be making scarce trips to the gas station. It's proof you don't;' have to sacrifice the fun factor to get good fuel economy.

For a first-time luxury car buyer, the 2022 Audi A3 does the job and it does it well, true it’s not as quick as last year’s model but the mild hybrid system makes for a seamless and enjoyable driving experience while saving gas. If you need more power, I suggest you get the excellent S3 either way you can't go wrong.

2022 Audi A3 quattro Numbers

BASE PRICE: $35,900
AS TESTED PRICE: $42,490 (Premium Plus Trim)
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: 2.0 liter turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4
POWER: 201 hp @ 4,800 rpm
TORQUE: 221 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-60 MPH: 6.4 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 3,494 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 10.9 cubic feet
EPA COMB/CITY/HWY:  31/28/36 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY:  22.1 mpg
PROS: Very economical, smooth riding, great handling
CONS: Less zippy than before, limited trunk space, some hard plastics inside